There are a lot of tools that you can use to make your website work better. In this blog post, you will get to know about the essential tools that you need to help your website run faster and smoother. These tools will help you troubleshoot problems, optimize your website for search engines, and improve your user experience.
Before we dive into the specific tools available to help your website, let’s first understand how websites are built and run. Websites are made up of different components like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These components are used to create a website’s page structure, content, and design. Additionally, websites need a server to store and serve the website’s files to visitors.
If you already have a website, or run one for a business you work for, you’ll already have some awareness of the technology that sits behind it. But what about the tech you need to take your website to the next level – in terms of performance and engagement with your audience? Here is some of the essential tech your website needs.
1. A Content Management System (CMS)
A CMS is a platform that enables you to manage your website’s content. It allows you to easily create, edit, and manage your website’s pages and other content. Some popular CMSs include WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Magento. A CMS is an enabler to a lot of the other tech you might want to integrate into your website, so choose your CMS carefully to ensure it is as versatile and user-friendly as possible.
2. A Database Management System (DBMS)
A DBMS is a software application that enables you to store and manage data. It is the foundation of your website, as it stores all the data associated with your website such as user profiles, posts, and other information. Popular DBMSs include MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL. You’ll need a database for all kinds of things, including storing customer details, their purchase history, and other things.
3. A Web Server
A web server is a type of computer that hosts websites. It receives requests from visitors and serves them the content or data associated with the request. Popular web servers include Apache, Nginx, and IIS. You’ll probably also want a cloud hosting provider. Cloud hosting is a type of hosting that stores your website’s data on multiple virtual machines, which provides more flexibility and power than a traditional web server.
4. Contact Forms and Chatbots
Having a contact form on your website is essential for customers who have questions or need assistance. There are many different services that offer contact forms. When looking at designing your contact forms, make sure they are user friendly and only ask your customers to complete the necessary information. You might also want to consider your marketing tactics in relation to your contact forms, and if you want to work with an incentives app or sweepstakes platform to encourage users to interact with you.
5. A Security Provider
Security is an essential part of keeping your website safe and secure. Security providers offer various services to help protect your website from malicious attacks, such as antivirus software, firewalls, and DDoS protection. Look for a provider that offers multiple layers of security and has a great reputation for customer service. You’ll need to ensure the provider is easily contactable, and has a plan for ensuring your data is backed up and easy to retrieve.
6. E-Newsletter Platforms
Having an e-newsletter is a great way to stay connected with your customers and keep them up-to-date with your latest products and services. There are many e-newsletter platforms that offer various features, such as custom templates, analytics tracking, and automated campaigns. Look for a platform that is easy to use and allows you to customize your e-newsletter content. You’ll want to ensure your e-newsletter platform integrates seamlessly into your website infrastructure so that sign-ups are easy for both you and customers.
7. SEO Services
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an essential part of any website. It helps your website rank higher in search engine results and bring more organic traffic to your website. SEO involves a number of techniques such as keyword research, content optimization, link building and more. You’ll want to ensure you have a CMS that has good options for SEO. For example, WordPress has a number of SEO apps that can help you optimize your website for search engines. Alternatively, you can hire an SEO specialist to do the work within your systems for you.
8. Analytics Platforms
Analytics platforms are a great way to track how visitors interact with your website. They enable you to monitor which pages are most popular, the amount of time visitors spend on your website, and which campaigns are driving traffic. Popular analytics platforms include Google Analytics, Piwik, and Mixpanel. Make sure you understand the different features offered by each platform so that you can choose one that best meets your needs.
9. Payment Providers
If you plan to accept payments on your website, then you’ll need a payment provider. There are many different payment providers available, and they each offer different features. Make sure you choose a provider that is secure, easy to use, and cost-effective. Popular payment providers include PayPal, Stripe, and Braintree. Look at the percentage different platforms take from your sales, and if they offer extra functionalities that would be helpful to you.
These are some of the essential tools and services you need to build a successful website. Make sure you research different providers and compare their features before making any decisions. Having the right tools in place will ensure your website is secure, user friendly, and capable of driving traffic.